Leapfrog to Launch the Fly Pentop Computer

Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LeapFrog today announced a bold new corporate initiative with the launch of an innovative computing platform -- the FLY pentop computer. This new technology platform is designed to bring computer interactivity to the most prolific and easiest-to-use interface of all -- pen and paper. The FLY pentop computer is the first consumer electronics device to give users real-time audio feedback as they write and draw on special FLY paper, making what you write, really work.

A user of the FLY platform will be able to write on a piece of paper and then interact with the writing directly on the paper. For instance, a FLY pentop computer user can draw a calculator, touch the handwritten digits and functions to perform an operation -- then hear the answer announced from the FLY platform. A user also can write a word in English and hear it translated into Spanish, or draw a piano keyboard and play it.

At the core of the product are a variety of state-of-the-art technologies including optical scanning technology licensed from Anoto, a widely acclaimed industry leader in digital pen technology.

"The introduction of the FLY pentop computer is an important milestone for LeapFrog as we strategically extend our successful learning products line into new markets, new technologies, and to broader audiences," explained LeapFrog President Jerry Perez. "The FLY pentop computer strongly positions us to establish and grow a completely new market segment with broad potential for core FLY products and a tremendous range of application opportunities for both LeapFrog and for companies that will support this new platform."

"The FLY platform heralds the birth of a new industry market -- paper-based computing. With 'intelligent' technology, the FLY pentop computer will assist people of all ages in the mastery of core academic subjects and provide a new genre of entertainment," said Jim Marggraff, the father of the LeapPad learning system, the visionary behind the FLY pentop computer and LeapFrog's Executive Vice President of Worldwide Content.

Cool Tween Applications
With the FLY pentop computer, LeapFrog applies its deep roots in technology-based learning products to a range of innovative applications created for tweens to learn, communicate, and game. These paper/software applications make it cool, convenient and fun for tweens to get homework help in math or spelling, translate words into other languages, play baseball with interactive collectible playing cards, write in their journals, interactively master key concepts from school textbooks, compose music, and much more.

"We've created an intuitive user interface that provides instant navigation, from a blank piece of paper to a user's desired application. Our initial set of tween learning tools and games are designed to alleviate critical educational pain points for tweens, and to provide easy access to information and entertainment in synch with a tweens' lifestyle," added Marggraff.

Development of the FLY pentop computer was enhanced by a group of 50 tweens, aged 8 to 13, known as the Quantum X Team. These "kid developers" worked on a regular basis over the past year with LeapFrog product designers to provide input on the FLY platform and its applications.

Product Information and Availability
The FLY pentop computer will be available in Fall 2005 in the consumer electronics section of select retailers nationwide. The suggested retail price for the FLY pentop computer is expected to be approximately $99 and the suggested retail prices for applications are expected to range from $7.99 - $29.99. Final suggested pricing will be announced prior to shipping.

Source: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.